Friction fastener and method for computer components
AssigneeGateway, Inc.
InventorsJohn S. Love, Paul Holder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer having one or more components is assembled utilizing a friction fastener that is formed by use of a screw that bears on a surface attached to a cage adjacent a component to create a friction fit to retain the component in a secure manner within the cage in the computer. The surface is a substantially flat portion of a shim or finger tab that is attached to the cage. The surface fits into an opening in the cage having a backed-off portion screw support having a threaded opening opposite the surface from the component. The screw is installed in the screw support to provide force against the surface of the tab to press it into the component in a friction fit manner to prevent movement of the component relative to the cage.
Claims23
A computer system having a component installed therein, the system comprising:
- a base;
- a cage coupled to the base for holding the component;
- a tab coupled to the cage;
- and
- a tensioning device coupled to the cage that forces a portion of the tab into static friction contact with the component;
- wherein the tensioning device comprises a screw support and a screw coupled to the screw support for providing the force on the tab.
A drive mounting system for supporting a drive within a computer system, the mounting system comprising:
- a cage shaped to accommodate a component;
- a tensioning device support coupled to the cage;
- a tab coupled to the cage;
- and
- a tensioning device operably coupled to the tensioning device support for forcing the tab into friction contact with the drive wherein the tensioning device comprises a screw support and a screw coupled to the screw support for providing the force on the tab.
A method of installing a component into a computer, the method comprising:
- inserting the component into a cage;
- and
- activating a tensioning device to create friction contact with the component of sufficient force to retain the component in the cage;
- wherein activating the tensioning device comprises tightening a screw to force a portion of a tab secured to the cage into friction contact with the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.